Shandong

Shandong is a coastal province in eastern China, located on the eastern edge of the North China Plain. It lies on the Shandong Peninsula, with the Yellow Sea to the east and the Bohai Sea to the north, and borders Hebei and Henan to the west and Jiangsu to the south. The provincial capital is Jinan, a city known for its springs, while Qingdao, Yantai, and Weifang are major port and economic centers. The peninsula's eastern coastline is among China's most developed maritime regions.

Geography and notable features: The province includes the Jiaodong Peninsula; Mount Tai (Tai Shan) is one of China's Five Great Mountains and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The region contains parts of the lower Yellow River basin and receives a monsoon climate with hot summers and cold winters.

History and culture: Shandong is the cradle of the ancient Qi state in the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods; Qufu is the birthplace of Confucius and hosts important Confucian sites, including the Temple and Cemetery of Confucius and the Kong Family Mansion, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Lu cuisine, one of the eight traditional Chinese cuisines, reflects the region's culinary heritage. The province is associated with Confucianism, Taoism, and a rich literary tradition.

Economy and transport: Shandong is among China's leading provinces in GDP and agricultural output. It has a diversified economy with petrochemical, metal, machinery, electronics, and light industries, supported by large-scale port operations at Qingdao, Yantai, Rizhao, and Weihai. The province is connected by an extensive rail and highway network and is served by major airports in Jinan and Qingdao.